Ocean County Commissioners Approve Traffic Signal Projects for Berkeley, Lakewood, and Brick

Ocean County commissioners greenlit several traffic signal installations and infrastructure improvements in Berkeley, Lakewood, and Brick townships. These projects target busy crossroads where safety has become a concern.

Berkeley Township will receive one new signal. It goes up at Ocean Gate Drive (County Route 625), Mill Creek Road, and Veeder Lane. This spot links homes with a main roadway.

Lakewood Township gets four new signals — one at Cross Street and Prospect Street, another at Cross Street and White Road/White Street, a third near Chestnut Street by Route 70 Ramp "E" and Lisa Robyn Circle, and the last at Cross Street and James Street/Franklin Boulevard. Cars pour through these crossroads daily, and the growing volume has sparked worries about crashes and close calls.

Officials also gave the nod to changes at an existing signal where Massachusetts Avenue meets Cross Street in Lakewood. Workers will add battery backups and generator bypass systems.

These additions keep lights running when power fails. That means fewer accidents and less chaos at crossroads during storms or blackouts.

Commissioners voted to bring Duquesne Boulevard in Brick Township back under county control. This road stretches from Route 70 to Brick Boulevard but lost its county status back in 2004. Putting it back may lead to better upkeep and future fixes.

Lakewood grabbed most of the projects because it keeps expanding. It's one of Ocean County's fastest-growing spots. Officials see traffic signals as tools to cut down on wrecks, smooth out car movement, and protect people on foot.

Berkeley's work centers on a connector where driving patterns have shifted over the years.

According to Shore News Network, the approved deals let the county start working with towns. Design, installation, and upgrades can now begin. No one said exactly when construction starts, but these jobs usually go through planning and scheduling first.

All projects now have the green light. Work should start rolling out as plans take shape.